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Traveling doesn’t have to be off-limits just because you have Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s flare-ups are unpredictable, but if you are prepared for one when you travel, you can spend less time worrying about a flare-up and more time enjoying yourself.

Whether it’s a day trip or a long vacation, there are lots of things you can do ahead of time to take control of Crohn's when you're away from home.

Even if you are only taking a short day trip, Crohn’s disease symptoms such as diarrhea or gas may make you feel nervous about driving long distances in the car or being in public places. But there are some simple steps you can take to alleviate such fears.

• Keep enough medication with you to last your whole trip.
• Whether traveling by car or on public transportation, find out where public restrooms are located ahead of time. If necessary, seat yourself near the restroom wherever you go.
• If necessary, take extra undergarments or toilet paper with you on your trip.
• Keep your gastroenterologist’s phone number and your insurance card with you at all times.

It may also be helpful to keep a “Crohn’s survival kit” handy.  Your survival kit should consist of your medication, phone numbers of your doctor and pharmacist, bottled water, something to keep you busy during long car rides, and anything else you may need. It should be kept in a convenient place, so you can just grab it on your way out the door.

There are also many ways to alleviate any worries or stress you may have about taking a long trip or vacation.  Take control of your Crohn’s disease. Plan ahead. Talk to your gastroenterologist before you leave. Pack enough medication and the proper contact numbers. And know what to expect and avoid in foreign countries.

• Find a gastroenterologist in the city you will be visiting. Your gastroenterologist can help you find one. If you are venturing abroad, you can also call the American Embassy's Consulate Section to find a local gastroenterologist.
• Ask your gastroenterologist for a typed statement detailing your medical history and the medication you take. This can be helpful in case of an emergency.
• Ask your gastroenterologist for written instructions on what you should do if your condition worsens.
• Find out in advance if trains and buses have toilets. If you are traveling by plane, request an aisle seat for easier access to the bathroom. It may also be helpful to find out where the restrooms are located in public places ahead of time.
• Find out if your health insurance covers medical costs in foreign countries.
• Keep your gastroenterologist’s phone number and your insurance card with you at all times.
  

• Bring more than enough prescription medication to last the entire trip, and carry it with you on the plane, train, or bus. Filling prescriptions can be difficult, especially when traveling in a different country.
• Always let your pharmacist know when you are taking your medication out of the country. Get copies of your prescriptions, including foreign brand names and generic names for your medicine.
• Keep your medication in its original container.
  

If you're traveling to a less-developed country, take care to avoid traveler's diarrhea.

• Don't drink local water unless you boil it first. This includes swallowing water when you're showering, brushing your teeth, or swimming.
• Drink bottled water with a seal or filtered water, and use it to brush your teeth.
• Avoid ice cubes.
• Don't eat food from vendors' carts or food that has been left out at room temperature.
• Stay away from uncooked dairy products, salads, uncooked meat, fish, shellfish, and raw vegetables and fruits that you cannot peel.
• Avoid drinking noncarbonated beverages, such as iced tea and juices.
• Don't eat prepared foods like potato salad or pasta salad.

If you do develop diarrhea, make sure you drink plenty of fluids (boil all water) and avoid cold beverages, which can make symptoms worse. If you've cleared it with your gastroenterologist, you might also try an antidiarrheal medicine.

Signs of serious illness

Wherever you go, it is important to be aware of and ready for the danger signals of Crohn’s disease or other medical emergency. If you develop any of the following symptoms while traveling, consult a gastroenterologist right away: 

• High fever
• Shaking chills
• Bloody diarrhea
• Severe abdominal pain or distension
• Dizziness when you stand up or any episode of fainting

As with traveling, a little advanced planning can allow you to keep exercising and participating in activities.

Information adapted from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America website. For more information and resources on Crohn's disease, or to find a local chapter in your area, please visit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America website.